Daily Archives: 30/06/2012

IHBC’s officers, members and delegates offered enthusiastic congratulations to its South Branch for organising and hosting yet another highly successful and challenging Annual School for the institute. IHBC President Trefor Thorpe said: ‘The great speakers and fascinating site visits highlighted … Continue reading →

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is currently active in helping link activities opposed to the ‘Heritage VAT raid’, including the work of the IHBC, and ahs recently provided an update on press coverage achievements by the partner bodies. FMB … Continue reading →

Following the open letter to the Chancellor co-signed by bodies leading opposition ot the ‘heritage VAT raid’, including the IHBC, George Osborne has rejected calls for its reconsideration, while partners encourage signatories to maintain pressure on MPs and in media. … Continue reading →

The Government’s response to the VAT consultation has just been published, with the section on listed buildings received the highest number of responses – 818 in total. The Federation of Master Builders [FMB] reports on it as following: The transitional … Continue reading →

A recent appeal case involving a hotel demolition documents one planning inspector’s thinking around the application of England’s Localism Bill and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The inspector concluded (paras 177-8) that ‘… I have carefully considered all matters … Continue reading →

The Government has laid before Parliament draft regulations for how neighbourhood planning referendums should work, including the wording of questions. Referendums must be held on a neighbourhood development plan, a neighbourhood development order or a community right to build order. … Continue reading →

The National Trust has decided to take legal action over the decision to grant planning permission for a £100m golf resort on Northern Ireland’s north coast near the Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage site. This move has generated criticism from … Continue reading →

bdonline has released the current nominations for its ‘carbuncle cup’. Bdonline writes: You can influence the shortlist by sending a short paragraph explaining your nomination to bdonline@ubm.com. Current nominations include: ArcellorMittal Orbit, Olympic Park, London, by Anish Kapoor and Cecil … Continue reading →

Members of the Lords, including the chair of English Heritage, debated the future of English cathedrals on Thursday 28 June. Lord Cormack (Conservative), who tabled the debate, is vice-president of the Historic Churches Preservation Trust/National Churches Trust and a former … Continue reading →

The Government has introduced new regulations that will allow previously dismissed proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act to be reconsidered. The Government has also launched a consultation on whether parish and town councils should be given the power to make … Continue reading →

A planning application has been submitted by an artist who intends to create a 40-metre sculpture by the side of the M1 overlooking Sheffield. Steve Mehdi’s proposed ‘Man of Steel’ sculpture, depicting a male sat on a steel plinth, would … Continue reading →